TOPEKA (KSNT) – Protestors gathered outside the Target in southwest Topeka on Feb. 5 as part of a series of national protests calling on the corporation to sever its alleged ties to ICE.
The protests follow reports that two Target employees were detained by federal agents in Minnesota last month. The corporation is headquartered in Minneapolis, and the incident has fueled outrage among advocacy and faith-based groups.
Saturday’s demonstration was organized as part of Mennonite Action, a national movement encouraging Mennonites, Christians and community members to protest oppression through nonviolent action, prayer and song.
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Members of the Southern Hills Mennonite Church participated in the Topeka protest, saying their faith compelled them to speak out.
“Our understanding about Christianity and what Jesus is asking us to do is all about love, welcoming the stranger,” said Cynthia Neuefeld Smith, a protester and member of the church. “This ICE stuff is just not the America we want to see. It’s not the gospel as we understand.”
Protesters allege that Target allows federal agents to use store parking lots as staging areas and claim employees and shoppers have been targeted during enforcement actions. Target has not publicly confirmed those allegations.
Protesters are calling on Target to publicly demand that ICE leave Minnesota. They also want Target to train employees on how to respond if federal agents arrive and to post signage stating agents are not permitted to enter stores without a signed judicial warrant.
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